New Delhi, April 22 (H.S.): Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been declared the world's best male cricketer in the prestigious Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2025.

Meanwhile, in women's cricket, Smriti Mandhana has also made history by winning the award for the best female cricketer of the year. Indian cricket has had a remarkable dominance in these honors this time.

In 2024, Jasprit Bumrah created a stir in the cricketing world with his sharp bowling. He made history by becoming the first bowler to take 200 wickets in Test cricket at an average of less than 20. Wisden's editor Lawrence Booth referred to him as the biggest star of the year, stating that Bumrah's bowling was so dangerous and unique that runs scored against him should be considered double. During this period, Bumrah took 71 Test wickets at an average of 15 and also led India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Star batswoman Smriti Mandhana of the Indian women's cricket team scored the highest runs in international cricket in 2024, amassing 1659 runs. During this time, she hit 4 One Day International centuries, setting a new record for any female cricketer in a year. Additionally, she played a magnificent innings of 149 runs against South Africa in a Test match, leading India to a 10-wicket victory.

West Indies' explosive batsman Nicholas Pooran has been declared the best T20 cricketer of the year.

This year, three players from Surrey County—Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Dan Worrall—were included in Wisden's 'Five Cricketers of the Year'. In addition to them, Hampshire's Liam Dawson and England women's team’s Sophie Ecclestone were also honored with this prestigious recognition.

Mitchell Santner's outstanding bowling, taking 13 wickets in the Pune Test against India, gave New Zealand a 2-0 unassailable lead and resulted in India's first home Test series loss since 2012. For this, Santner was honored with the Wisden Trophy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar